Stolen computers at FOSS4G

Maria Antonia Brovelli Public Seen by 354

Cover the residual cost (what will not be covered by the insurance or others) for the two computers that were stolen during the FOSS4G Europe. In meanwhile ask the Boston LOC to better remember people not to leave their belongings unattended and write to the Conference Committee asking to discuss about if and how situations like that could be managed in next conferences (not Boston).

Jody Garnett Thu 27 Jul 2017 12:47PM

I am in favour of us helping assist in this case, but I understand their is a series of groups, including the local organizing committee who would like to help out. I would be the most comfortable with the local organizing committee (or even the rented venue assisting.)

We have been cautioned about "setting a precedent" last time the board acted in a generous fashion outside of our mission statement (since we are responsible for our actions to our membership which elected us). In this case the people effected individuals are both productive members of our volunteering in an official capacity with our organization: one as a summer of code student, and the second as a member of the marketing committee. I believe our membership will understand why we are making this choice.

While it may be sad in the future if trouble befalls an attendees at one of our events we do not wish to set a precedent or expectation for future events to follow. We are taking action both out of compassion (this sucks) and these individuals our volunteers in our organization we do not want our membership to loose the benefits of their productivity (this sucks for osgeo). This is in a similar spirit to the liability insurance we hold for our board members and officers.

Jody Garnett Thu 27 Jul 2017 12:50PM

From the email thread it sounds like both computers are covered by insurance, but not the full costs. There are two ways to understand this email:

For a $2500 computer, perhaps it was only insured for $2000 (often this is fine as computers get older).
Or perhaps it is a "deductible" - for example for a $2000 computer there may be a $500 deductible needing to be paid. So while the insurance covers everything, you are required to pay $500 to access the insurance.

I would be comfortable making a proposal making up to $2000 available to the treasurer to assist with paying any insurance costs incurred while replacing the stolen laptops. Subject to "prompt reimbursement" on receipt (if paid for already) or invoice (if there is an email/bill that can be sent to the treasurer to show the amount needed).

Poll Created Thu 27 Jul 2017 12:54PM

Offer financial assistence to Nick and Niroshan to cover insurance costs of stolen laptops. Closed Thu 3 Aug 2017 12:01PM

Outcome

by Jody Garnett Thu 3 Aug 2017 4:05PM

This motion did not reach quorum.

Motion: To make up to $2000 available to our treasurer to assist Nick and Niroshan with insurance costs incurred replacing their laptops stolen while acting in a volunteer capacity.

Assistance is subject to "prompt reimbursement" on receipt (if paid for already) or invoice (if there is an email/bill that can be sent to the treasurer to show the amount needed).